Google Maps goes plug-in free with WebGL remix

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When you’re constantly pushing for a more open standards-based web, it helps to lead by example. That’s precisely why you see Google redesigning more and more of its web apps to embrace things like HTML5 and its own, open WebM video container in favor of things like the Google Gears and Flash Player plug-ins.

Now, Google Maps has gotten an additional dose of openness thanks to WebGL-powered satellite and street views. Right now, it’s an opt-in feature. Visit Google Maps and you should see a small note in the bottom-left corner asking if you “want to try something new.” Click the enable button, and you’re on your way — provided your video card, browser, and OS are the correct mix. This new version of Maps has been “rebuilt from the ground up” and brings improved visuals and that slick new 45-degree satellite view you see above.

At this stage of the game, WebGL-powered Google Maps works in Chrome 14 and Firefox 8 or better (for you cutting-edge users). You’ll also need to be running Windows 7, Vista, OsX 10.6+, or a current Linux distribution and using a compatible video card — fortunately, only a handful of cards are blacklisted by Chrome so yours will probably work just fine. Check Google’s Chrome help page to see which cards don’t play well with WebGL.

Performance is fairly good, though my low-end ATI card definitely wasn’t quite as smooth running the WebGL version as it was while using the plug-in powered Google Maps. Street view images took slightly longer to focus and there was noticeable stuttering from time to time.

The new WebGL Google Maps is definitely an excellent showcase of the technology’s potential, but let’s hope that those security flaws we heard about earlier this year aren’t ever exploited in the wild once it becomes more widely adopted.